Executive Director

Executive Director

Company: Borderless Magazine NFP

Location: Chicago, Illinois (hybrid remote and in‑person, travel required)

Compensation: $120,000 to $135,000 per year plus benefits

Application Due Date: Rolling

Borderless Magazine is an award‑winning, bilingual online news outlet reimagining immigration journalism for a more just and equitable future. Founded in February 2017, it is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit that reports with and for Chicago’s diverse immigrant communities.

Borderless seeks a passionate, experienced, and visionary leader to serve as Executive Director, building on the organization’s strengths to expand its presence and profile in Chicago and beyond.

Organizational Leadership & Vision

• Work with the Board of Directors and staff to implement the 2026‑2028 Strategic Plan and ensure high‑impact results.
• Collaborate with the board and staff to align the long‑term vision with the organization’s mission.
• Inspire and guide the team, addressing internal and external issues swiftly and effectively.
• Model and promote the organization’s values, setting a high standard for ethical behavior.
• Report regularly to the Board on budgeting, fundraising, staffing, and operations.

Fundraising & Revenue Development

• Work closely with the Chief Development Officer, Finance and Admin Director, and board to meet all fundraising goals.
• Personally cultivate relationships with major individual donors, foundation leaders, and corporate partners.
• Support the development team in opening new revenue streams and inspiring current and potential donors.

Operations & Infrastructure

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations, tax laws, and employment laws.
• Review and approve contracts, legal matters, insurance coverage, and major expenditures.
• Lead the budgeting process and audit with Finance and Admin Director and Board Treasurer, ensuring fiscal health.
• Ensure organizational capacity meets current and future needs.
• Hire and develop diverse teams, implementing inclusive practices that honor immigrant communities served.

External Relations & Representation

• Advocate and evangelize Borderless’s mission and impact.
• Champion critical journalism through public speaking, media appearances, and thought leadership.
• Grow the organization’s reputation as a national leader in community‑driven journalism.
• Stay connected to trends, opportunities, and developments in journalism and immigrant communities.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships to grow revenue and brand awareness.

• At least five years of management or leadership experience at a news or nonprofit organization.
• Successful track record in nonprofit fundraising and public speaking.
• Outstanding communication skills, including handling challenging conversations with nuance and tact.
• Excellent organizational skills, juggling multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Confident and compassionate demeanor, working collaboratively with diverse staff, funders, and partners.
• Strong understanding of the journalism industry, its business, and core principles of reporting and editing.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit operations, including fundraising, budgeting, and board governance.

We recognize that some strong candidates may not possess all the skills listed here, and we welcome alternative experience. Tell us why you’d make a strong candidate for this role.

• Spirit of Possibilities: Believe that new achievements are possible, stay optimistic, and push ideas forward.
• Strategist’s Mind: Grasp subtleties, identify patterns, and devise pragmatic, equitable, sustainable solutions.
• Coaching & Modeling: Delegate skillfully, provide actionable feedback, and inspire others.
• Highly Driven & Compassionate: Motivate and support a growing team in a multifaceted role.

• Achievement of annual fundraising goals and revenue diversification.
• Successful execution of strategic plan milestones and growth objectives.
• Staff retention, satisfaction, and professional development outcomes.
• Financial health indicators, including budget management and reserves growth.
• Impact metrics from program evaluation and community…